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Selling U.S. Products and Services

Belgrade Fair

Using an Agent or Distributor                                                        

A carefully chosen partner, whether it is a local agent, representative, or distributor, is the most effective method for entering the Serbian market.  Such partners can contribute significantly to the success of a U.S. company in this market by considerably shortening the entry time and strengthening market position.  The obvious benefits of a local partner include having a dedicated presence in Serbia who is familiar with the local language, business culture, and has access to business channels.  A key advantage for U.S. companies looking to find a partner in Serbia is the high level of English proficiency among the Serbian labor force.  Additionally, a local partner can take advantage of fast-breaking opportunities, absorb some of the expenses, and manage the logistics of product marketing and distribution.  This is especially relevant for U.S. firms lacking sufficient capital to handle such activities on their own.

In considering a potential agent or distributor, common sense suggests appropriate due diligence.  Business in Serbia is still conducted to a large extent on contacts and relationships that have the potential to lead to activities contrary to U.S. law.  It is critical to find a partner willing to abide by local and U.S. law.   We advise seeking the advice of local legal counsel before signing a contract. The U.S. Commercial Service can assist U.S. firms in finding and evaluating potential local partners in Serbia. See http://www.buyusa.gov/serbia/en for more information on these services.

Financial Agency – Credit Bureau (FINET), affiliated with the Association of Serbian Banks (www.finet.co.yu) provides information on the creditworthiness of local companies.  U.S. companies can contact FINET to request a copy, in English, of a Serbian firm's BON-1, a credit report that provides information on the local firm's credit history.  The report costs 2,000 Dinar (about $35.00) and can be obtained by writing to:

ASSOCIATION OF SERBIAN BANKS

Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 86

11000 Beograd

Tel: 011 / 30 20 760; 33 70 063

Fax: 011 / 33 70 179; 30 20 787

Web: www.ubs-asb.com

E-mail: ubs@ubs-asb.com

 

The U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade can provide International Company Profiles (ICPs) that include a thorough background check on potential clients and representatives.  These reports include up-to-date information on potential partners, such as: bank and trade references, principals, key officer and managers, product lines, number of employees, financial data, sales volume, reputation and market outlook.

More information at: www.buyusa.gov/serbia/en     

The following local organizations may also be useful in verifying credibility of a potential local partner:

Serbian Credit Bureau

Zagrebacka 6 11000 Beograd

Tel + 381 (0) 11 263 26 86, 218 32 94 Tel/fax + 381 (0)11 303 79 91

E-mail: office@N0SPAM.s-kb.com  

web: www.s-kb.com 

The Serbian Chamber of Commerce also has available online and in English a Serbian Company Directory and a Business Opportunity Exchange database of local companies interested in working with foreign partners:

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia

Resavska 13-15, 11000 Belgrade

Phone: (381 11) 3240-611, 3233-955; Fax: (381 11) 3230-949

Mr. Milos Bugarin, President

www.pks.rs

E-mail: marica.vidanovic@pks.rs

International consulting firms present in Belgrade such as Deloitte and Touché Tohmatsu International, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, and KPMG can be helpful in establishing the credibility of a potential local partner. Some additional information can be provided by the American Chamber of Commerce in Serbia- www.amcham.rs

Establishing an Office                                                                    

The establishment of foreign representative offices in Serbia and registration of rep-offices and foreign legal entities is under the competence of the Serbian Agency for Business Entities (BRA).  Note: The setting up of the Agency was financially assisted by the Swedish government, which made a donation of about EUR 1.4 million; USAID provided technical support, while Microsoft Serbia designed software for all three registers – of companies, lien, and financial leasing.  Foreign entities/persons and imported goods enjoy the same treatment and the same status as domestic entities (i.e., national treatment in regard to their imports or exports in Serbia).  A representative office does not have the status of a legal entity, although it may have one or more branches in Serbia.  Representative offices may not operate in trade in armaments or other military equipment.  A representative office in Serbia may begin operations only after completing the registration process with the BRA.  In general, the registration application must contain the name of the founding firm, the name and headquarters of the representative office, and the expected number of employees of the representative office.  Additional information is required about the founding company such as the expected activities of the representative office; permits for the permanent residence or temporary stay of the foreign nationals to be employed in the representative office; the name of the manager of the representative office; and evidence of residence abroad if the founder is a former Serbian national.  The registration process should be completed within 15 days of the date of the filing of the application.

Representative offices, in the name of their founders, can conduct operations including: market research and development, contract or investment preparations, technical cooperation, and similar business facilitation activities.  Representative offices are permitted to hold foreign exchange and domestic currency accounts in authorized Serbian banks.  Office equipment and cars can be imported duty free, on the basis of temporary imports.  Foreign employees at a representative office are not required to pay local income taxes and contributions.  Residence and work permits are required for foreign employees.

Based on the experience of U.S. companies who have established offices in Belgrade, the process is cumbersome, time-consuming, and inefficient.  Local legal counsel helps navigate this process.

Foreign investors in Serbia may establish a company or enterprise in the form of: Joint Stock Company (a.d.); Limited Liability Company (d.o.o.); Limited Partnership (k.d.); General Partnership (o.d.). 

The Company Law (effective as of November 2005) provides for two types of joint stock companies: closed and open.  This was a change from the previous law, and it is in conformance with other European company laws.  A closed joint stock company is much like an LLC, but it can be easily converted to an open joint stock company if it wishes to go public.  The new Serbian closed joint stock company will be free to impose restrictions on transfer of its shares – for example, a requirement of board approval, or a right of first refusal in favor of other shareholders, whenever a shareholder wishes to sell to a third party.  It may not, however, offer its shares publicly and it may not have more than 100 shareholders.  An open company, by contrast, is subject to detailed capital maintenance requirements, may sell its shares to the public, and may not impose any restriction on the resale of its shares.

According to the Law on Registering Company in Serbia (effective as of January 1, 2005), BRA introduced a fast and cheap procedure, which now lasts between five and ten days, with the founding capital of EUR 500 ($650), for joint stock companies.

Franchising                                                                                      

While some franchises already operate in Serbia, this business concept is still relatively new but is attracting interest among local entrepreneurs.  Consumer and economic conditions are developing quite favorably for the further entry of international franchising.  Due to the weak saturation of the market in Serbia, and the consumer demand for all kinds of merchandise and services from developed countries, the market in Serbia is promising for a wide range of franchised businesses.  Even though there are no specific franchise laws in Serbia (it is regulated by the Law on Contracts and Torts), government officials and business circles generally believe that the foreign franchising industry will be the pioneer of new investment as well as provide a catalyst for employment.  Since unemployment is key issue, there is widespread support for international franchises in Serbia.  The U.S. Commercial Service, together with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Franchising serve as primary points of contact for both foreign and domestic companies interested in doing business through this method (www.pks.rs/fransizing).  Furthermore, the government has made substantial progress on IPR protection, both in legislative and enforcement aspects.  Awareness of U.S.-owned franchise businesses is strong, with many Serbian entrepreneurs interested in acquiring the rights to operate American franchises.  Traditionally, local consumers perceive U.S. brands very well, associating them with superior quality, excellent customer service, and a western lifestyle.  There appears to be a strong potential market for franchises in services, catering, and apparel sectors.  For further information on the franchising market in Serbia, see the Franchising section in Chapter 4: Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and the separate market research report: “Franchising Market in Serbia” in the market research library database.   

Direct Marketing                                                                              

Direct marketing is not well developed in Serbia.  However, with the steady growth in credit card usage, there are attempts to market mainly consumer goods by way of catalog sales, direct response advertising (TV, radio, and print media), and e-commerce.  Zepter (cookware, cosmetics), Amway (cosmetics, home cleaning products, vitamins), Oriflame (cosmetics), Tupperware (kitchenware), and Grawe (life insurance) are the most typical examples of companies using direct marketing techniques.  Marketing is usually carried out via formal or informal multi-level marketing groups or direct sale chains.  Often informal gatherings are used to promote products and push sales.  A local Telecommunication Company (Telekom Srbija) started publishing a Yellow Pages Directory http://www.yellowpages.net/ in the spring of 2004.  Contact information for some of the Serbian companies can be found on the Internet at the following web-addresses: www.rs or http://www.serbia.com/, http://www.siepa.gov.rs/ and http://www.yubusiness.rs/.  Targeting customers by product type, size, sales, and location is possible on a limited basis.

Joint Ventures/Licensing                                                               

The Foreign Investment Law of Serbia (adopted in 2002 and amended in January 2003) and the Company Law regulate joint ventures.  Serbian firms are typically interested in joint-venture contracts with foreign firms -- looking for the foreign firm to provide capital, equipment, and merchandise, while the domestic firm provides working and warehouse space, personnel, local experience, and channels of distribution.  U.S. firms considering such ventures should review carefully the viability of potential domestic partners. Problems can include excess labor, overdue debts, and other structural inefficiencies. Several U.S. firms have maintained joint ventures that predate the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia (FRY).  In 1997/98 the largest U.S.-FRY joint venture companies were HDD Beogradsko Mesovito Preduzece DD, Hyatt Regency, and ICN Galenika. The U.S. interest has since departed from ICN Galenika.

Licensing is a good way to tap into local markets but requires financially strong partners with good management skills.  The best known licensing operation is that of Coca-Cola’s regional bottling partner, the Hellenic Bottling Company from Greece.  Pepsi Cola also has a bottling partner.

There are no specific licensing laws in Serbia (it is regulated by the Law on Contracts and Torts).  A licensing contract should cover intellectual property rights issues (trademark, model, patent or copyright), payments/royalties, the term of the contract, restrictions on using trademarks, etc. – see chapter 7 to find more information on IPR.  A local lawyer should be consulted to ensure that provisions of the contract do not contravene Serbian law, making the agreement null and void.  Just as with franchising, the improving business environment, especially in the area of contractual relationships and IPR, should encourage licensing business ventures.

Selling to the Government                                                            

The Public Procurement Law applies to all purchases made by government bodies including those of the local government and majority state-owned companies and institutions (Official Gazette No. 39/2002 and 4/2003).  The law applies to all investments financed by the central budget, payments guaranteed by the government, or funds secured by loans taken by the government.  Procurements above the threshold amount of 600,000 Dinars are subject to the requirements of the law.  According to the decree, in principle, such purchases should be done via public tender published in the Official Gazette.  Public tenders for purchases of goods and services over 3 million Dinars and for projects over 15 million Dinars should be published both in the Official Gazette and the local press.  The Department for Public Procurement (PPD) within the Ministry of Finance is responsible for ensuring that procurement is done in conformity with the law, while the Commission for the Protection of Bidders' Rights has a role to ensure the legal security of all participants in public procurement procedures.  Although its title would indicate that it protects only one side in the procurement process (bidders), its aim is broader: by its decisions it also protects the public interest by establishing the legality of a particular procurement.

The law defines the “best offer” as the offer with the lowest price, which complies with the tendering specifications. The best offer may be defined using price and other criteria, but these other criteria must be prescribed in the bidding documents.  However, the latest amendments to the law provide for “national preference,” which allows for an official preference to domestic companies.  This clause stipulates that a local bidder, who procures goods locally, will be awarded the tender given it is not higher than 20% of a foreign bidder.

The law provides for several types of procurement. The basic type of procurement is public bidding.  A pre-qualification procedure may be used in order to establish qualified bidders.  Other types of procurement for goods and works include two-stage bidding and bidding upon invitation.

Due to bidders’ complaints about long, complicated and costly tender procedures, the Parliament adopted amendments to the current Public Procurement Law.  The amendments brought significant improvements related to the procedure and evaluation process.  However, the Public Procurement Law adopted in December 2008 gives preference to domestic suppliers over foreign companies in public purchases if a foreign company’s offer is not more than 20% better than the domestic offer (in price and other scored characteristics.

Contact:

Government of Serbia

Public Procurement Office

11000 Beograd, Nemanjina 22-26, Beograd

Tel: +381 11 2888-712; 2888-713; 2888-714

http://www.ujn.sr.gov.yu/Attachments/zakon_o_izmenama.pdf

dr Predrag Jovanović, Director

Distribution and Sales Channels                                                  

By decree of the Law on Trade, any firm may operate in foreign and/or domestic trade in Serbia.  Tthe Customs and Tax Administration has undertaken stringent measures against illegal imports and unlicensed business activities.  Wholesalers operate as a distribution intermediary to retailers.  For the most part, the wholesale sector is completely privatized.

Retail chains played a role in the restructuring of the retail segment as they became privatized and were acquired by larger groups, resulting in  new private retailers emerging on the market.  The restructuring has led to allegations of monopolistic behavior.  Private retail companies such as Delta-Maxi, C Market, and Rodic, which control up to 40% of the retail market are all owned by Delta Holding.  Greenfield investors have made a significant positive impact on this sector’s development (e.g., Mercator from Slovenia, Vero from Greece, and Metro from Germany entered the market and created more competition).  Some wholesalers have ventured into the retail sector as well.  The retail sector also includes kiosks, small shops, and open markets.  There are an estimated 10,000 retail outlets in Serbia.  Many, but not all, handle distribution of imported products.  The new firms are often headed or managed by people who once worked for the large socially owned trading companies of the former Yugoslavia.  In many cases, they work in the same sectors with the same partners as they did in the socially owned firms.

Capital goods are normally sold directly to manufacturers and businesses.  When selling capital goods or machinery to businesses, a good agent is essential.  The U.S. Commercial Service assists U.S. exporters finding an agent through International Partner Search or Gold Key Matching Service – www.buyusa.gov/serbia/en

Selling Factors/Techniques                                        

Due to a tight credit policy by banks, which has been exacerbated  by the global financial crisis, the ability to provide financing is a key factor in selling both industrial and ‘high ticket value’ consumer goods.  Most Serbian buyers prefer to pay in monthly installments, even for low-cost goods.  Sales techniques critical to success include: close and frequent contact with buyers, motivated and trained middlemen, and aggressive market promotion.  Most large importers currently have more opportunities and access to lines of credit, which was not the case in the previous ten-year period, when they were forced to pay in advance.

Selling to state-owned companies and other state entities depends on establishing your company or product creditability.  Internationally financed public procurements offer the best opportunity for transparent purchasing decisions.  Serbia’s private sector should be targeted as private sector growth tracks well for western businesses who are accustomed to selling products based on pricing, product quality, and servicing ability. According to the government, the private sector accounts for more than 50% of GDP. Marketing techniques will not vary greatly within this business segment.

Electronic Commerce                                                                     

There is no law concerning e-commerce in Serbia.  E-commerce is not widely used by companies in Serbia and information on web sites is infrequently updated.  However, awareness among companies about the necessity to create company-specific web pages is growing.

The Law on Digital Signature was adopted in December 2004 and formally implemented in July 2008.

Electronic banking is a widely spread service among banks operating in Serbia.

Trade Promotion

The U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade provides valuable assistance to U.S. exporters promoting their products through the single company Promotion service www.buyusa.gov/serbia/en

Trade promotion events and fairs continue to be popular in Serbia although they do not have the level of sophistication that many U.S. exhibitors have become accustomed to in the United States and Western Europe.  Belgrade Fair maintains its tradition of organizing industry-focused or specialty exhibitions such as: automotive, construction and equipment, furniture, fashion, medical-pharmaceutical, books, tourism, etc. Belgrade Fair attracts international attention and includes numerous foreign exhibitors.

For more information on these events, please contact:

Belgrade fair

11000 Belgrade, Bul. Vojvode Misica 14

Tel: (381)(11) 265 50 55

E-mail: info@N0SPAM.sajam.co.yu

List of exhibition: www.sajam.rs

Contact: Mr. Andjelko Trpkovic, Director, andjelko.trpkovic@sajam.rs

Advertising

Most Serbian companies engage in some form of advertising.  Television, radio, and print advertising are most effective.  Sales promotions, public relations, and trade fairs are also common.

Television, which reaches 90% of the market, has the broadest reach of all media. Serbia has two state-owned and three private TV channels with the national frequency range as well as five regional channels.  The law restricts advertising on state television to six minutes per hour.  Advertising on privately-owned (regional and local) television stations can not exceed 20% of total program length.  The most advertised products are telecommunications, vehicles, financial institutions, beverages, newspapers, hygiene products, etc.  Serbian regulations prohibit television advertisement of tobacco, alcohol, and spirits.

The advertising sector experienced more than10% growth because of the extensive advertising campaigns of the mobile telecommunications firms. 

Magazines, particularly specialized magazines, are growing in circulation.  National daily newspapers account for more than 60% of advertising expenditures for print periodicals.

The major daily newspapers in Serbia are:

"Politika", "Novosti", "Blic", "Glas Javnosti", and “Danas”

The major weekly publications in Serbia are:

"Vreme",  and "Nin"

The widespread business journals in Serbia are:

"Pregled", and "Ekonomist". 

There are a substantial number of domestic advertising agencies, but most are very small.  Approximately 90% of the international agencies are in partnership with domestic agencies. (i.e., BBDO, McCann-Erickson, Leo Burnett and Ogilvy & Mather, Lowe, DDB, FS&B).  Typically, domestic agencies are too small to have enough clients for discounts on media buying.  Some local advertising agencies have links to American advertisers.  The Embassy maintains a list of advertising agencies.

More than 8,000 billboards populate Serbia.  Prices vary depending on the location, frequency and category. Billboards are very much used during political and election campaigns, but are increasing in popularity in urban areas for consumer-related goods and services.

Pricing                                                                                                 

For most goods, state subsidies and price supports for consumer goods have been eliminated and market forces determine prices.  While price liberalization is at an all-time high, there are serious anti-competition forces at play in Serbia that keep many consumer prices higher than what the cost of living in Serbia would dictate in a truly open market.  In fact, consumer prices can be 20-30% higher in Belgrade than in Western European cities such as Vienna.  As the presence of foreign companies increase in Serbia, competition will liberalize and prices should more accurately reflect the current state of economic development.  Nevertheless, Serbian consumers are ‘price sensitive’.  Changes in the price of certain basic products (e.g., milk, bread, flour, and cooking oil) must be reported to the Ministry of Trade 15 days in advance and the state retains discretionary authority.  The state directly controls prices of utilities, public transit, telecom services, and petroleum.  Significant black, and gray, market sales still exist for many products, especially consumer goods.  Such goods can be sold more cheaply than goods sold through legal channels because the sellers generally avoided customs and tax payments.  However, with the introduction of a VAT on January 1, 2005 (VAT is in general 18% with few exceptions), and a new customs procedure, illegal sales have noticeably declined.

Sales Service/Customer Support                                                 

The Law on Consumer Protection was adopted in September 2005 (Official Gazette #79/05).  Under the Law, the competent authorities dealing with this area are the Serbian Ministry of Trade and Services and the Council for Consumer Protection.  The Council was created as an advisory body.  The Government of Serbia, supported by the Ministry and the Council, should adopt a National Program for Consumer Protection, which is to be achieved through the annual protection program.

 

The Law prescribes the fundamental rights and protection of the Consumer’s economic interests.  It regulates, inter alia, provisions on water and air quality, issuing of invoices, warranty clauses, consumer credit, packaging issues, and time-sharing.  The Law prohibits selling and serving alcohol and cigarettes to minors (younger than 18 years old). The law allows for both the in and out-of-court protection of the consumer who is the victim of damage.

Protecting Intellectual Property                                     

Introduction

Several general principles are important for effective management of intellectual property rights (IPR) in Serbia. 

  -- Have an overall strategy to protect IPR.  

  -- IPR is protected differently in Serbia than in the United States.

  -- Rights must be registered and enforced in Serbia, under local laws.

Companies should seek advice from local attorneys or IP consultants.  The U.S. Commercial Service can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

Companies should understand that intellectual property is primarily a private right and that the U.S. government generally cannot enforce rights for private individuals in Serbia.  The rights' holders must register, protect, and enforce their rights where relevant, retaining their own counsel and advisors.  While the U.S. Government is willing to assist, there is little it can do if the rights holders have not taken these fundamental steps necessary to securing and enforcing their IPR in a timely fashion.  Moreover, in Serbia, rights holders who delay enforcing their rights on a mistaken belief that the U.S. Government can provide a political resolution to a legal problem may find that their rights have been eroded or abrogated due to doctrines such as statutes of limitations, or unreasonable delay in prosecuting a law suit.  In no instance should U.S. Government advice be seen as a substitute for the obligation of a rights holder to promptly pursue its case.

Interested companies should conduct due diligence on partners.  Negotiate from the position of your partner and give your partner clear incentives to honor the contract.  A good partner is an important ally in protecting IPR.  Keep an eye on your cost structure and reduce the margins (and the incentive) of would-be bad actors.  Projects and sales in Serbia require constant attention.  Work with legal counsel familiar with Serbian laws to create a solid contract that includes non-compete clauses, and confidentiality/non-disclosure provisions.

Small and medium-size companies should understand the importance of working together with trade associations and organizations to support efforts to protect IPR and stop counterfeiting.  

IPR Resources

A wealth of information on protecting IPR is freely available to U.S. rights holders.  Some excellent resources for companies regarding intellectual property include the following:

-          For more information about registering trademarks and patents (both in the U.S. as well as in foreign countries), contact the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) at: 1-800-786-9199.

-          For more information about registering for copyright protection in the US, contact the US Copyright Office at: 1-202-707-5959.

-          For information on obtaining and enforcing intellectual property rights and market-specific IP Toolkits visit:  www.StopFakes.gov  This site is linked to the USPTO website for registering trademarks and patents (both in the United States as well as in foreign countries), the U.S. Customs & Border Protection website to record registered trademarks and copyrighted works (to assist customs in blocking imports of IPR-infringing products) and allows you to register for Webinars on protecting IPR.

-          The U.S. Commerce Department has positioned IP attachés in key markets around the world.  You can get contact information for the IP attaché who covers Serbia at: usptorussia@N0SPAM.N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov  .  Be clear in your inquiry that your concern relates to the Serbian market as this IP attaché covers multiple markets.

IPR Climate in Serbia

The legal regime for IPR protection has improved substantially in recent years as Serbia has revised laws to meet the WTO’s TRIPs standards (although Serbia is not yet a WTO member).  Intellectual property rights are treated in a series of six laws, as follows:

  • The Law on Copyright and Related Rights (2004, amended in 2006)
  • The Law on Patents (2004)
  • The Law on Trademarks (2004)
  • The Law on Geographical Indications (2006)  
  • The Law on Legal Protection of Designs (2004)
  • The Law on Protection of Integrated Circuit Topographies (2004)

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in Serbia is now going thorough operational and organizational transformation in order that it can become an effective, modern and self-sustaining IPO, operating under modern guidelines and principles.

(Note: The IPO had been unable to process patent and trademark applications in a timely manner, collect adequate fees to sustain the organization and invest in its own infrastructure – both human and technical, interface effectively with its stakeholders, both in and outside of Serbia, and most importantly, recruit, develop and retain needed staff.  USTDA awarded a grant to the Serbian IPO to fund technical assistance, which will assist the IPO to build technical capacity and improve processes, while helping to establish the Office as a self-funded agency from fees of processing patent, trademark, copyright and related IPR applications.)

The government is obliged to implement and enforce the above laws.  In practice, however, enforcement is weak and actual protection insufficient.  Sale of pirated optical media (DVDs, CDs, software) as well as counterfeit trademarked goods, particularly sneakers, clothing, mobile phones and accessories is widespread.  Enforcement is slowly improving as customs, police and judicial authorities get the necessary tools, but institutional capacity is still limited.  Strengthening IPR protection will continue to be a challenge in the medium-term.

Due to the progress achieved both in legislation and enforcement, Serbia was not listed on the Special 301 Watch List.  The American Chamber of Commerce established an IPR Committee in 2007, and together with its membership, is actively working on improving enforcement and training of the administration (such as customs, market and tax inspectors).  Following is a list of improvements and activities to be addressed over the next year:

- Adoption of the Law on Optical Discs;

- More stringent penal provisions for offenders (Penal Code);

- Harmonization of the regional IP framework;

- Thorough enforcement of the current IP protection laws;

- Capacity development in terms of human capital as well as technical equipment;

- Cooperation of the relevant authorities on IP protection issues in the country and at the regional level;

- Standardized and effective procedures for the destruction of goods.

Contact:

Intellectual Property Office

Kneginje Ljubice 5

11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Tel: +381 11 202 59 02

www.zis.rs

E-mai: zis@zis.rs N0SPAM

Ms. Branka Totic, Director

Due Diligence                                                                                  

Frequent and complex changes of the legal environment dictate the need for detailed due diligence.  Legal audits are performed relatively consistently with respect to international standards.  Information is generally gathered from public books: the register of fixed assets, the court register, the statistical register, as well as from the firm itself, chambers, business environment, etc. 

Experienced and well-connected local professionals are essential to investors in Serbia.  One of the standard programs of the U.S. Commercial Service is the International Company Profile (ICP) designed to assist U.S. companies to enter international business relationships with greater confidence by providing background information on a prospective business partner (see www.buyusa.gov/serbia/en).

The Commercial Section maintains list of contacts of the international consulting firms present in Belgrade such as Deloitte and Touché Tohmatsu International, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and KPMG, local consulting and law offices, which can be helpful in establishing the credibility of a potential local partner. 

Local Professional Services                                                          

For a list of local professional services, please contact Ms. Biljana Stojimirovic, Administrative Assistant, biljana.stojimirovic@N0SPAM.N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov

11000 Belgrade, Kneza Milosa 50

Phone: (381 11) 306-4800; Fax: (381 11) 361-7582

Local Professional Services                                                          

For a detailed list of local professional services, please visit our web page: www.buyusa.gov/serbia/en